It’s no surprise that Australia’s a massive country—and its immensity covers more than just bustling cities, rainforests, and orange dirt roads.
The coast is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with towering rock cliffs and serene sea views stretching as far as the eye can see.
With a total coastline length of nearly 60,000 kilometres, there’s a whole lot of road to cover for eager travellers looking to travel down Australia’s coastline.
But if you want to maximise your road trip and pick only the best spots, as well as the spots that have been done and dusted by EV vehicles, we got you.
We’ll share with you 10 of the best coastal drives in Australia that EV owners can travel on. We’ll also give you some charging tips to ensure that you don’t get stranded in unfamiliar territory.
Let’s jump straight into it!
Top 10 Australian Coastal Drives
1. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders—and the drive to get there is renowned in its own right. Hugging Queensland’s tropical coastline, this trip passes through not just one natural wonder, but two.
The Daintree Rainforest, known to be one of the oldest rainforests on earth, is a major stop in this drive alongside the Great Barrier Reef.
Whether you want to relax at the beach, trek in a rainforest, or ]enjoy the ocean view inside a vehicle, this particular drive has it all. And for EV owners, don’t worry, this road has many charging stations along the way.
2. Mornington Peninsula Drive, Victoria
Venturing further south along the same coast is Victoria’s very own Mornington Peninsula. This road trip allows you to see the country in a rural light—quaint seaside villages, thermal springs, and some of Australia’s best wineries and gastronomic experiences.
When here, be sure to visit Point Nepean and the Sorrento Ocean Beach for a historic and marvellous glimpse of the Aboriginal cultural landscape.
3. Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales
Starting from Sydney, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s favourites since it can be tackled in just under a day. This drive passes by Royal National Park, a large, scenic national park with gorgeous trails featuring cliff faces just south of Sydney.
Further south is Wollongong, a nice rest stop that offers dramatic views of cliffs as well as pleasant food experiences.
The entire drive is just 140 kilometres long, making it more than doable on a full charge on an electric vehicle. And if you do need a charge, there are many public ports around the area.
4. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Want to take on Australia’s most famous drive? Then do the Great Ocean Road.
Stretching 243 kilometres hugging the southern coastline from Torquay to Allansford, this drive offers breathtaking sea views, southern fields, and limestone structures. A short detour within the drive and you can also find yourself amidst towering redwoods and stunning waterfalls.
Some of the landmarks within this road trip include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the London Arch. Quaint towns like Apollo Bay also provide a good rest stop to eat some local seafood. You can make this trip a packed one-day escapade or a five-day adventure, your choice!
EV charging options are plentiful along this stretch of road, thanks to its fame and renown. This allows you to enjoy the most scenic coastal road trip in Australia hassle-free.
5. Great Australian Bight, South Australia
If you want to see jaw-droppingly high cliffs for kilometres on end, 1,160 kilometres to be exact, the Great Australian Bight road trip is one to heavily consider.
This road trip starts from Cape Catastrophe in the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to Cape Pasley in Western Australia. Some people just do short stretches between these two endpoints and visit iconic spots, such as Ceduna, Port Lincoln, and Port Augusta.
Regardless of whether you’re doing a full trip or a compact one, a trip down the bight is one for the books. Not only do you witness dramatic coastline views, but you also have a chance to spot unique marine wildlife like southern whales.
6. The South West Edge, Western Australia
The South West Edge is a scenic, coastal drive that goes on over 1,200 kilometres from Perth to Esperance. This route is a windy one—meandering through wineries, forests, and national parks.
Between this coastal drive are some of Australia’s most underrated beaches: Meelup Beach, Hamelin Bay, Greens Pool, and many more. The coast along this drive is one of Australia’s cleanest and bluest, featuring a diverse array of wildlife.
There are EV charging ports along this stretch, but be sure to plan out your stopovers so that you can maximise your car’s range before you set out to drive again.
7. Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania
When discussing Australia, one shouldn’t forget about good ‘old Tasmania. It’s an island south of the main island, featuring its own unique coastal terrain that’s diverse and wholly distinct from the rest of Australia.
The Great Eastern Drive lets you see some of Tassie’s best sights. Starting at either Hobart or Launceston, one hugs the coast to visit the top attractions on the eastern side of Tasmania, namely Port Arthur, Cole’s Bay in Freycinet National Park, and the Bay of Fires in Binalong Bay.
If you’re feeling courageous and willing to extend your trip, you can undertake the entire Lap of Tasmania—a 1,500 km long road trip that can take two weeks to complete.
As the name implies, it extends beyond the eastern coast, hitting places like Stanley, Bothwell, Dover, and New Norfolk out west, Cradle Mountain in the centre-west of the island, then returns to the origin point, whether it’s Launceston or Hobart.
8. Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia and Western Australia
Just 100 kilometres south of Adelaide is the Fleurieu Peninsula, a spectacular coastal road trip destination in South Australia.
This region stretches from Sellicks to the rugged Cape Jervis region at the southern tip of the land. Besides being a gateway to Kangaroo Island—one of South Australia’s premier day trip destinations—it’s also home to one of the most esteemed wine regions in the country, the McLaren Vale.
This coastal drive lets you see Port Noarlunga, Normanville, and Victoria Harbour—charming towns that exude a vibrant feel and whip up some delectable treats.
Eager holiday-goers can circle the entire peninsula in under a day, making it a good day trip destination that won’t take more than a single full-battery EV charge.
9. Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Queensland
If youthful fun is what you’re after, the Gold and Sunshine Coast are the perfect EV road trip destinations. These regions have a laid-back daytime atmosphere and a bustling nightlife—making them perfect destinations for those who feel young at heart.
From theme parks to hiking trails, the Gold Coast is brimming with recreational activity and fun for the entire family.
Its natural coastline is nothing to discount either—Broadbeach, Surfer’s Paradise, Currumbin, Burleigh Heads, and the acclaimed Surfer’s Paradise are some coastal tourist spots you shouldn’t miss out on when you’re in the area.
Further up north is the Sunshine Coast, where majestic sights including the Noosa National Park, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Mooloolaba beach await. And a good amount of EV charging stations are sandwiched between all these areas too.
10. The Legendary Pacific Coast, NSW and Queensland
An iconic and major adventure that Sydneysiders can consider is the Legendary Pacific Coast. This expansive route stretches from Sydney to Brisbane—a 1,230-kilometre journey on the road.
This Australian coastal drive brings you to beaches and vibrant coastal towns like Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and the aforementioned Gold Coast. Even when you’re out of town, you’ll see breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean.
EV owners will be happy to know that there are many charging stations throughout the route, many of which are situated in small towns where you can conveniently rest up for the journey ahead.
5 EV Charging Tips
Before embarking on a road trip with an EV, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the vehicle to ensure you’re maximising its potential and not needlessly endangering yourself.
Here are some EV charging tips to know:
- Plan the route ahead: Use apps like PlugShare to locate charging stations along your route.
- Use fast chargers: The faster you get your car to full battery, the better.
- Charge during off-peak times: This is to reduce the total electricity bill towards the end of the journey.
- Drive safe: Practise general good driving habits to ensure that you and your passengers are safe on the road.
- Stay protected: If things go awry during the trip, it’s best to have a fallback, so be sure you have manufacturer-specific EV insurance like Tesla car insurance.
By following these tips, you can enhance your road trip experience and make it one that you’ll fondly remember for the rest of your life.
Have a blast!
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